Alert presentation apparatus and alert presentation method

ABSTRACT

An alert presentation apparatus (EMS ( 200 )) acquires the amounts of power consumed by loads connected to a system, and on the basis of the acquired power amounts, presents a load list including the power consumption of each load. This alert presentation apparatus (EMS ( 200 )) presents the load list so as to reduce the frequency at which the loads that are on the load list change.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an alert presentation apparatus and analert presentation method which present a list of loads including powerconsumption of the loads in order to reduce an accumulated amount ofpower supplied from a grid in a prescribed period equal to or smallerthan a prescribed amount of power.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, as sense of environmental consideration is growing, techniquesto reduce power consumption of load are proposed (for example, PatentLiterature 1).

Then, in order to reduce an accumulated amount of power supplied from agrid in a prescribed period equal to or smaller than a prescribed amountof power, techniques to present a list of loads including powerconsumption of the loads to a user have been proposed.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.    2008-236913

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

By the way, if the list of loads is updated frequently, there is apossibility that a user may be confused about which power consumption ofa load should be reduced. On the other hand, when an update interval ofthe list of loads is long, there is a possibility that the user is notable to effectively know the load in which power consumption should bereduced.

Then, the present invention has been made to solve the above-describedproblems and has an object to provide an alert presentation apparatusand an alert presentation method capable of letting a user effectivelyknow a load in which power consumption should be reduced whilesuppressing confusion of the user.

An alert presentation apparatus according to a first feature presents alist of loads including power consumption of the loads connected to agrid in order to reduce an accumulated amount of power supplied from thegrid in a prescribed period equal to or smaller than a prescribed amountof power. The alert presentation apparatus includes: a first poweracquisition unit which acquires power consumed by the loads; and apresentation unit which presents the list based on an amount of poweracquired by the first power acquisition unit. The presentation unitpresents the list so that frequency of replacement of the loads includedin the list becomes low.

In the first feature, the presentation unit presents the list includinga prescribed number of loads listed in a descending order of powerconsumption among the loads, or presents the list which including aprescribed number of loads listed in a descending order of an incrementin power consumption among the loads.

In the first feature, the presentation unit presents the list in which aprescribed number of loads are highlighted in a descending order amongthe loads, or presents the list in which a prescribed number of loadsare highlighted in a descending order of an increment in powerconsumption among the loads.

In the first feature, the prescribed period includes a first period anda second period after the first period. An update interval of the listin the first period is longer than an update interval of the list in thesecond period.

In the first feature, the alert presentation apparatus includes: asecond power acquisition unit which acquires power supplied from thegrid; and a prediction unit which predicts the accumulated amount ofpower based on the power acquired by the second power acquisition unit.The presentation unit presents the list as an alert when a predictivevalue of the accumulated amount of power predicted by the predictionunit reaches a prescribed threshold value.

In the first feature, the presentation unit presents the listconstantly.

In the first feature, the presentation unit presents the list by use ofan application which acquires power consumption of the load or a browserat a presentation of the list.

An alert presentation method according to a second feature presents alist of loads including power consumption of the loads connected to agrid in order to reduce an accumulated amount of power supplied from thegrid in a prescribed period equal to or smaller than a prescribed amountof power. The alert presentation method includes: a step A of acquiringpower consumed by the load; and a step B of presenting the list based onthe amount of power acquired in the step A. The step B includes a stepof presenting the list so that frequency of replacement of the loadsincluded in the list becomes low.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide alertpresentation apparatus and alert presentation method capable of lettinga user effectively know a load in which power consumption should bereduced while suppressing confusion of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy management system 100according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a consumer facility 10 according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an applicative scene of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an EMS 200 according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating presentation information 400 accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a power monitoring graph according tothe first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a first form according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing the first form according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing the first form according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing the first form according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an alert presenting method accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an alert presenting method accordingto Modification 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an alert presentation apparatus and an alert presentingmethod according to an embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings,identical or similar components are denoted by identical or similarreference numerals.

It should be understood that the drawings are schematic only and theratio of dimensions is not to scale. Therefore, specific dimensionsshould be determined with reference to the description below. It isneedless to mention that different relationships and ratio of dimensionsmay be included in different drawings.

Outline of Embodiments

An alert presentation apparatus according to some of embodimentspresents a list of loads including power consumption of the loadsconnected to a grid in order to reduce an accumulated amount of powersupplied from the grid in a prescribed period equal to or smaller than aprescribed amount of power. The alert presentation apparatus includes: afirst power acquisition unit which acquires power consumed by the loads;and a presentation unit which presents the list based on an amount ofpower acquired by the first power acquisition unit. The presentationunit presents the list so that frequency of replacement of the loadsincluded in the list becomes low.

In some of embodiments, the alert presentation apparatus presents thelist so that frequency of replacement of the loads included in the listbecomes low. Therefore, a user can effectively know a load in whichpower consumption should be reduced while suppressing confusion of theuser.

For example, the alert presentation apparatus may present a list whichincludes a prescribed number of loads listed in a descending order ofpower consumption or may present a list which includes a prescribednumber of loads listed in a descending order of an increment in powerconsumption among the loads connected to the grid. In this manner,frequency of replacement of the loads included in the list becomes low.

Alternatively, the alert presentation apparatus may present a list inwhich a prescribed number of loads are highlighted in a descending orderof power consumption among the loads connected to the grid, or maypresent a list in which a prescribed number of loads are highlighted ina descending order of an increment in power consumption among the loadsconnected to the grid. In this manner, frequency of replacement of thehighlighted loads included in the list becomes low.

Alternatively, the prescribed period may include a first period and asecond period after the first period, and an update interval of the listin the first period may be longer than an update interval of the list inthe second period. Therefore, in a period with low urgency to reducepower consumption (i.e., the first period), confusion of a user can bereduced. On the other hand, in a period with high urgency to reducepower consumption (i.e., the second period), the user can effectivelyknow the load in which power consumption should be reduced.

First Embodiment (Energy Management System)

Hereinafter, an energy management system according to a first embodimentwill be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy managementsystem 100 according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the energy management system 100 is providedwith a consumer facility 10, a CEMS 20, a substation 30, a smart server40 and a power plant 50. The consumer facility 10, the CEMS 20, thesubstation 30 and the smart server 40 are connected via a network 60.

The consumer facility 10 is provided with, for example, a powergenerating apparatus and a power storage apparatus. The power generatingapparatus is, for example, an apparatus which outputs power using fuelgas like a fuel cell. The power storage apparatus is, for example, anapparatus which stores power like a secondary battery.

The consumer facility 10 may be, for example, a residence such as adetached house, housing complex such as a condominium, a commercialinstitution such as a building, or a factory.

In the first embodiment, a consumer facility group 10A and a consumerfacility group 10B are constituted by a plurality of consumer facilities10. The consumer facility group 10A and the consumer facility group 10Bare classified according to, for example, geographical areas.

The CEMS 20 controls interconnection between a plurality of consumerfacilities 10 and a power system. Note that the CEMS 20 may be referredto as CEMS (Cluster/Community Energy Management System) because the CEMS20 manages a plurality of consumer facilities 10. In particular, theCEMS 20 disconnects a plurality of consumer facilities 10 from the powersystem at the time of, for example, a power failure. On the other hand,the CEMS 20 performs interconnection between a plurality of consumerfacilities 10 and the power system at the time of, for example, powerreturn.

In the first embodiment, a CEMS 20A and a CEMS 20B are provided. TheCEMS 20A controls, for example, interconnection between the consumerfacilities 10 included in the consumer facility group 10A and the powersystem. The CEMS 20B controls, for example, interconnection between theconsumer facilities 10 included in the consumer facility group 10B andthe power system.

The substation 30 supplies a plurality of consumer facilities 10 withpower via a distribution line 31. In particular, the substation 30lowers a voltage supplied from the power plant 50.

In the first embodiment, a substation 30A and a substation 30B areprovided. The substation 30A supplies power to, for example, theconsumer facilities 10 included in the consumer facility group 10A via adistribution line 31A. The substation 30B supplies power to, forexample, the consumer facilities 10 included in the consumer facilitygroup 10B via a distribution line 31B.

The smart server 40 manages a plurality of CEMS 20 (here, the CEMS 20Aand the CEMS 20B). Further, the smart server 40 manages a plurality ofsubstations 30 (here, the substation 30A and the substation 30B). Inother words, the smart server 40 collectively manages consumerfacilities 10 included in the consumer facility group 10A and theconsumer facility group 10B. The smart server 40 has, for example, afunction to balance the power to be supplied to the consumer facilitygroup 10A and the power to be supplied to the consumer facility group10B.

The power plant 50 generates power by fire power, wind power, hydraulicpower, atomic power and the like. The power plant 50 supplies aplurality of substations 30 (here, the substation 30A and the substation30B) with power via a power line 51.

The network 60 is connected to each apparatus via a signal line. Thenetwork 60 is, for example, the Internet, a broadband communicationnetwork, a narrowband communication network, a portable telephonenetwork, and the like.

(Consumer Facility)

Hereinafter, the consumer facility according to the first embodimentwill be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating details of theconsumer facility 10 according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the consumer facility 10 is provided with adistribution board 110, a load 120, a PV unit 130, a storage batteryunit 140, a fuel cell unit 150, a hot water storage unit 160 and the EMS200.

The distribution board 110 is connected to the distribution line 31(i.e., the grid). The distribution board 110 is connected to the load120, the PV unit 130, the storage battery unit 140 and the fuel cellunit 150 via a power line.

The load 120 is an apparatus which consumes power supplied via the powerline. For example, the load 120 includes an apparatus, such as arefrigerator, a freezer, a lighting apparatus or an air conditioner.

The PV unit 130 is provided with a PV 131 and a PCS 132. The PV 131 isan exemplary power generating apparatus, and is a photovoltaic powergenerating apparatus which generates power upon reception of sunlight.The PV 131 outputs generated DC power. An amount of generated power ofthe PV 131 changes depending on an amount of solar radiation with whichthe PV 131 is irradiated. The PCS 132 is an apparatus which converts DCpower output from the PV 131 into AC power (i.e., a Power ConditioningSystem). The PCS 132 outputs the AC power to the distribution board 110via the power line.

In the first embodiment, the PV unit 130 may be provided with apyranometer for measuring the amount of solar radiation with which thePV 131 is irradiated.

The PV unit 130 is controlled by the MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)method. In detail, the PV unit 130 optimizes an operating point of thePV 131 (i.e., a point defined by an operating point voltage value andthe power value, or a point defined by the operating point voltage valueand a current value).

The storage battery unit 140 is provided with a storage battery 141 anda PCS 142. The storage battery 141 is an apparatus which stores power.The PCS 142 is an apparatus (i.e., a Power Conditioning System) whichconverts AC power supplied from the distribution line 31 (i.e., thegrid) into DC power. Further, the PCS 142 converts the DC power outputfrom the storage battery 141 into AC power.

The fuel cell unit 150 is provided with a fuel cell 151 and a PCS 152.The fuel cell 151 is an exemplary power generating apparatus, and is anapparatus which outputs power using fuel gas. The fuel cell 151 is, forexample, SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) or PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte FuelCell). The PCS 152 is an apparatus (i.e., a Power Conditioning System)which converts DC power output from the fuel cell 151 into AC power.

The fuel cell unit 150 is operated by load following control. In detail,the fuel cell unit 150 controls the fuel cell 151 so that power outputfrom the fuel cell 151 becomes the target power of the load followingcontrol.

The hot water storage unit 160 is an exemplary heat storage apparatuswhich converts power into heat, stores heat, or stores heat generated bya cogeneration apparatus, such as the fuel cell unit 150, as hot water.In particular, the hot water storage unit 160 is provided with a hotwater storage tank and heats water supplied from the hot water storagetank with exhaust heat produced by operation (i.e., power generation) ofthe fuel cell 151. In detail, the hot water storage unit 160 heats watersupplied from the hot water storage tank and flows back the heated hotwater to the hot water storage tank.

The EMS 200 is an apparatus (i.e., an Energy Management System) whichcontrols the PV unit 130, the storage battery unit 140, the fuel cellunit 150 and the hot water storage unit 160. In particular, the EMS 200is connected to the PV unit 130, the storage battery unit 140, the fuelcell unit 150 and the hot water storage unit 160 via a signal line andcontrols the PV unit 130, the storage battery unit 140, the fuel cellunit 150 and the hot water storage unit 160. Further, the EMS 200controls power consumption of the load 120 by controlling an operationmode of the load 120.

Further, the EMS 200 is connected to various servers via network 60.Various servers store information including, for example, a purchaseunit price of the power supplied from the grid, a sales unit price ofthe power supplied from the grid and a purchase unit price of the fuelgas (hereafter, referred to as energy rate information).

Alternatively, various servers store information used for, for example,predicting power consumption of the load 120 (hereafter, referred to asenergy consumption prediction information). The energy consumptionprediction information may be, for example, generated based on a pastactual value of power consumption of the load 120. Alternatively, theenergy consumption prediction information may be a model of powerconsumption of the load 120.

Alternatively, various servers store, for example, information used forpredicting the amount of generated power of the PV 131 (hereafter,referred to as prediction information about the amount of generated PVpower). The PV power generation prediction information may be apredictive value of the amount of solar radiation with which the PV 131is irradiated. Alternatively, the PV power generation predictioninformation may be weather report, season, daylight hours and the like.

(Applicative Scene)

Hereinafter, an applicative scene of the first embodiment will bedescribed. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an applicative scene ofthe first embodiment. FIG. 3 mainly describes an information flow in theconsumer facility 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the consumer facility 10 is provided with agrid power meter 310, a power measurement unit 320, a power monitoringunit 330, a load power meter 340, a smart sensor 350 and a hub 360. Asdescribed above, the consumer facility 10 is provided with the EMS 200.

The grid power meter 310 measures power supplied from the distributionline 31 (i.e., the grid). In particular, the grid power meter 310 isdisposed further toward the distribution line 31 (i.e., the grid) thanthe distribution board 110, and measures the power supplied to theentire consumer facility 10.

The power measurement unit 320 accumulates the power measured by thegrid power meter 310 in the prescribed period. In other words, the powermeasurement unit 320 accumulates the power measured by the grid powermeter 310 from the start of the prescribed period to the expiration ofthe prescribed period. That is, the power measurement unit 320 resetsthe accumulated value (i.e., the accumulated amount of power) in eachprescribed period.

In Japan, for example, the total power rate of a high-voltage power useris defined by a basic rate and a metered power rate. The basic rate isdefined based on the accumulated amount of power supplied from the gridin the past demand period (i.e., a peak amount of power). Therefore, itis desirable to control power consumption of each load so that theaccumulated amount of power in a demand period does not exceed theprescribed amount of power. Then, the demand period (for example, 30minutes) may be defined as the prescribed period.

The power monitoring unit 330 monitors whether the predictive value ofthe accumulated amount of power at the time of expiration of theprescribed period exceeds the prescribed amount of power based on theaccumulated value (i.e., the accumulated amount of power) acquired fromthe power measurement unit 320. In particular, the power monitoring unit330 predicts the accumulated amount of power based on the actual valueof power measured by the grid power meter 310. Alternatively, the powermonitoring unit 330 predicts the accumulated amount of power based on avariation amount of the power measured by the grid power meter 310. Thatis, in the first embodiment, the power monitoring unit 330 configuresthe second power acquisition unit and the prediction unit.

Here, it is desirable that the power monitoring unit 330 predicts, in afirst half (i.e., a first period) of the prescribed period, theaccumulated amount of power based on the actual value of power measuredby the grid power meter 310. It is desirable that the power monitoringunit 330 predicts, in a second half (i.e., a second period) of theprescribed period, the accumulated amount of power based on thevariation amount of the power measured by the grid power meter 310.

For example, the first half of the prescribed period is a period fromthe start of the prescribed period to the ½ of the prescribed period,and the second half of the prescribed period is a period from the ½ ofthe prescribed period to the expiration of the prescribed period.Alternatively, the first half of the prescribed period is a period fromthe start of the prescribed period to the ⅔ of the prescribed period,and the second half of the prescribed period is the period from the ⅔ ofthe prescribed period to the expiration of the prescribed period. Thetiming at which the first half and the second half are divided may bedefined at any timing within the prescribed period.

When the predictive value of the accumulated amount of power at the timeof expiration of the prescribed period exceeds the prescribed amount ofpower, the power monitoring unit 330 transmits, to the EMS 200,information which indicates that the predictive value of the accumulatedamount of power exceeds the prescribed amount of power.

The load power meter 340 is provided at each load 120 and measures powerconsumed at each load 120. That is, in the first embodiment, the loadpower meter 340 configures the first power acquisition unit. In thefirst embodiment, as the load power meter 340, first power meters 340A1to 340An and second power meters 340B1 to 340Bn are provided. The firstpower meters 340A1 to 340An are connected to a power line A providedunder the control of a breaker A of the distribution board 110, and thesecond power meters 340B1 to 340Bn are connected to a power line Bprovided under control of a breaker B of the distribution board 110.

The smart sensor 350 collects power measured by the load power meter 340provided under the control of the smart sensor 350. In the firstembodiment, a smart sensor 350A and a smart sensor 350B are provided asthe smart sensor 350. The smart sensor 350A collects power measured bythe first power meters 340A1 to 340An. The smart sensor 350B collectspower measured by the second power meters 340B1 to 340Bn.

The smart sensor 350 transmits, to the EMS 200, information whichindicates power measured by each load power meter 340 together with anidentifier of each load power meter 340. Alternatively, the smart sensor350 transmits, to the EMS 200, information which indicates a total valueof power measured by the load power meter 340.

The hub 360 is connected to the EMS 200, the power monitoring unit 330and the smart sensor 350 via a signal line. The hub 360 relaysinformation output from the power monitoring unit 330 and the smartsensor 350 to the EMS 200.

(Configuration of EMS)

Hereinafter, the EMS of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating the EMS 200 of the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the EMS 200 is provided with a reception unit210, a transmission unit 220, a control unit 230 and a presentation unit240.

The reception unit 210 receives various signals from the apparatusesconnected via the signal line. For example, the reception unit 210receives, from the power monitoring unit 330, information whichindicates that the predictive value of the accumulated amount of powerexceeds the prescribed amount of power. The reception unit 210 receives,from the smart sensor 350, information which indicates power measured byeach load power meter 340 together with an identifier of each load powermeter 340. Alternatively, the reception unit 210 may receive, from thesmart sensor 350, information which indicates power totaled by the smartsensor 350.

In the first embodiment, the reception unit 210 may receive, from the PVunit 130, information which indicates the amount of generated power ofthe PV 131. The reception unit 210 may receive, from the storage batteryunit 140, information which indicates an amount of stored power of thestorage battery 141. The reception unit 210 may receive, from the fuelcell unit 150, information which indicates an amount of generated powerof the fuel cell 151. The reception unit 210 may receive, from the hotwater storage unit 160, information which indicates an amount of storedhot water of the hot water storage unit 160.

In the first embodiment, the reception unit 210 may receive, fromvarious servers, the energy rate information, the energy consumptionprediction information and the prediction information about the amountof generated PV power via the network 60. However, the energy rateinformation, the energy consumption prediction information and theprediction information about the amount of generated PV power may bestored in the EMS 200 in advance.

The transmission unit 220 transmits various signals to the apparatusesconnected via the signal line. For example, the transmission unit 220transmits signals used to control the PV unit 130, the storage batteryunit 140, the fuel cell unit 150 and the hot water storage unit 160 toeach unit using a communication protocol, such as the ECHONET Lite orthe ZigBee (registered trademark). The transmission unit 220 transmits,to the load 120, a control signal for controlling the load 120 using acommunication protocol, such as the ECHONET Lite.

The control unit 230 controls the load 120, the PV unit 130, the storagebattery unit 140, the fuel cell unit 150 and the hot water storage unit160.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 230 generates a list of loadsincluding power consumption of the load. The list of loads may be a listpresented constantly or may be a list presented when the predictivevalue of the accumulated amount of power exceeds the prescribed amountof power.

In particular, the control unit 230 generates a list of loads based onthe power measured by each load power meter 340. The list of loads atleast includes, for example, the name of the load and power consumptionof the load. The list of loads may include the variation amount of thepower consumption in addition to the information above.

For example, when the predictive value of the accumulated amount ofpower predicted based on the actual value of power measured by the gridpower meter 310 exceeds the prescribed amount of power, the control unit230 generates, in the first form, a list of loads in which powerconsumption should be reduced. On the other hand, when the predictivevalue of the accumulated amount of power predicted based on thevariation amount of the power measured by the grid power meter 310exceeds the prescribed amount of power, the control unit 230 generates,in the second form, a list of loads in which power consumption should bereduced.

The first form is a form in which a list of loads is presented in adescending order of the actual value of power acquired by the load powermeter 340. The second form is a form in which a list of loads ispresented in a descending order of the increment in power acquired bythe load power meter 340.

Here, the control unit 230 generates the list so that frequency ofreplacement of the loads included in the list becomes low.

For example, the control unit 230 may generate a list which includes aprescribed number of loads listed in a descending order of powerconsumption or may generate a list which includes a prescribed number ofloads listed in a descending order of an increment in power consumptionamong the loads connected to the grid.

Alternatively, the control unit 230 may generate a list in which aprescribed number of loads are highlighted in a descending order ofpower consumption among the loads connected to the grid, or may generatea list in which a prescribed number of loads are highlighted in adescending order of an increment in power consumption among the loadsconnected to the grid.

Alternatively, the update interval of the list in the first half (i.e.,the first period) of the prescribed period may be longer than the updateinterval of the list in the second half (i.e., the second period) of theprescribed period.

The presentation unit 240 presents various types of information to theuser. In particular, the presentation unit 240 is a display whichdisplays each piece of information. However, the presentation unit 240may be a speaker which outputs each piece of information as sound.

In the first embodiment, the presentation unit 240 presents the list ofloads. Here, the presentation unit 240 may present a list of loads byusing an application which acquires power consumption of the load 120 ora browser.

In the first embodiment, the presentation unit 240 displays, forexample, presentation information 400 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thepresentation information 400 includes date and time information 410,state outline information 420, state detail information 430, stateexplanatory note information 440, link information 450, a facilitychange list 460 and an energy saving action list 470.

The date and time information 410 is information which indicates thepresent date and time.

The state outline information 420 is information which indicates anoutline of a state of power supplied from the grid in the currentprescribed period. The state outline information 420 is represented by,for example, four stages (extra, caution, alert and danger).

The state detail information 430 is information which indicates detailsof the state of power supplied from the grid in the current prescribedperiod. The state detail information 430 includes, for example, a targetpower value, a predictive power value and excessive power. The targetpower value is a target value of the accumulated amount of powersupplied from the grid in the prescribed period. The predictive powervalue is a predictive value of the accumulated amount of power predictedby the power monitoring unit 330 described above. The excessive power isthe amount of power in which the predictive power value exceeds thetarget power value. The unit of the power value is kWh.

The state explanatory note information 440 is information whichindicates an explanatory note of the state outline information 420. Thestate explanatory note information 440 includes, for example, athreshold of each stage (extra, caution, alert and danger) and colorexpressing each stage and the like.

The link information 450 is information which indicates various types ofinformation that can be switched from the presentation information 400(i.e., a power monitoring graph, a power record/day and a powerrecord/month). The “power monitoring graph” is, for example, a graphillustrated FIG. 6 described later. The “power record/day” and the“power record/month” are totaled results of past histories. By theselection (i.e., click) of the link information 450, the informationpresented by the presentation unit 240 is switched to the selectedinformation.

The facility change list 460 is a list of loads which is presentedconstantly. The facility change list 460 includes, for example, the nameof loads and power consumption of the loads.

Here, the facility change list 460 may be a list which includes aprescribed number of loads listed in a descending order of powerconsumption, or may be a list in which a prescribed number of loads arehighlighted in a descending order of power consumption among the loadsconnected to the grid.

The energy saving action list 470 is a list of loads presented when thepredictive value of the accumulated amount of power exceeds theprescribed amount of power. The energy saving action list 470 is anexemplary alert which indicates a list of loads in which powerconsumption should be reduced.

In the first embodiment, the energy saving action list 470 is presentedin the first form or the second form. As described above, the first formis a form in which a list of loads is presented in a descending order ofthe actual value of power acquired by the load power meter 340. Thesecond form is a form in which a list of loads is presented in adescending order of the variation amount of the power acquired by theload power meter 340.

Here, when the energy saving action list 470 is presented in the firstform, the energy saving action list 470 may be a list which includes aprescribed number of loads listed in a descending order of powerconsumption, or may be a list in which a prescribed number of loads arehighlighted in a descending order of power consumption among the loadsconnected to the grid. On the other hand, when the energy saving actionlist 470 is presented in the second form, the energy saving action list470 may be a list which includes a prescribed number of loads listed ina descending order of an increment in power consumption among the loadsconnected to the grid, or may be a list in which a prescribed number ofloads are highlighted in a descending order of an increment in powerconsumption among the loads connected to the grid.

Subsequently, a power monitoring graph according to the first embodimentwill be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the power monitoringgraph according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, at the present date included in the prescribedperiod (for example, 30 minutes), the power monitoring graph includes anaccumulated value of power (i.e., an accumulated amount of power)supplied from the grid. In detail, an actual value of the accumulatedamount of power is illustrated by a solid line and a predictive value ofthe accumulated amount of power is illustrated by a dotted line.

The power monitoring graph includes a target amount of power and a limitamount of power as the prescribed amount of powers. The power monitoringgraph may also include a target amount of power reference line whichindicates a transition of the accumulated amount of power of whichaccumulated amount of power is set to be the target amount of power atthe time of expiration of the prescribed period. The power monitoringgraph may also include a limit amount of power reference line whichindicates a transition of the accumulated amount of power of whichaccumulated amount of power is set to be the limit amount of power atthe time of expiration of the prescribed period. The power monitoringgraph may also include a predictive value of the accumulated amount ofpower (i.e., a predictive power value) at the time of expiration of theprescribed period.

Here, a case in which the accumulated amount of power at the time ofexpiration of the prescribed period is predicted at time t_(n) will bedescribed. The accumulated amount of power at time t_(n) is W_(n) andthe accumulated amount of power at time t_(n-1) is W_(n-1). Here, a casein which the prescribed period is set to 30 minutes (i.e., 0.5 h) willbe illustrated.

In a case in which the accumulated amount of power is predicted based onthe actual value, the predictive value of the accumulated amount ofpower is indicated by an approximation straight line of the actual valueat each timing. The predictive value of the accumulated amount of powerat the time of expiration of the prescribed period is expressed by“Y/X×0.5.” Y/X is a slope of the approximation straight line.

That is, when “Y/X×0.5” exceeds the target amount of power (or the limitamount of power), the power monitoring unit 330 determines that thepredictive value of the accumulated amount of power exceeds theprescribed amount of power. Alternatively, when “Wn” exceeds the targetamount of power reference line (or the limit amount of power referenceline), the power monitoring unit 330 may determine that the predictivevalue of the accumulated amount of power exceeds the prescribed amountof power.

In a case in which the accumulated amount of power is predicted based onthe variation amount, the slope of the predictive value of theaccumulated amount of power is expressed by“(W_(n)−W_(n-1))/(t_(n)−t_(n-1)).” The predictive value of theaccumulated amount of power at the time of expiration of the prescribedperiod is expressed by“W_(n)+{(W_(n)−W_(n-1))/(t_(n)−t_(n-1))}×(0.5−t_(n)).”

That is, when “W_(n)+{(W_(n)−W_(n-1))/(t_(n)−t_(n-1))}×(0.5−t_(n))”exceeds the target amount of power (or the limit amount of power), thepower monitoring unit 330 determines that the predictive value of theaccumulated amount of power exceeds the prescribed amount of power.

Here, the predictive power value is obtained based on the predictivevalue of the accumulated amount of power predicted by the powermonitoring unit 330 described above. The unit of the predictive powervalue is kWh.

(First Form)

Hereinafter, a first form of the energy saving action list 470 accordingto the first embodiment will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagramsfor describing the first form of the energy saving action list 470according to the first embodiment.

As described above, it is desirable that the first form is a formapplied when the predictive value of the accumulated amount of powerpredicted based on the actual value of power measured by the grid powermeter 310 exceeds the prescribed amount of power.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when “Y/X×0.5” exceeds the target amount ofpower (or the limit amount of power), a list of loads is presented, asan energy saving action list 470, in a descending order of the actualvalue of power acquired by the load power meter 340 as illustrated inFIG. 8.

As described above, it is desirable that prediction of the accumulatedamount of power based on the actual value of power measured by the gridpower meter 310 is performed in the first half (i.e., the first period)of the prescribed period.

(Second Form)

Hereinafter, the second form of the energy saving action list 470according to the first embodiment will be described. FIGS. 9 and 10 arediagrams for describing the second form of the energy saving action list470 according to the first embodiment.

As described above, it is desirable that the second form is a formapplied when the predictive value of the accumulated amount of powerpredicted based on the variation amount of the power measured by thegrid power meter 310 exceeds the prescribed amount of power.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, when“W_(n)+{(W_(n)−W_(n-1))/(t_(n)-t_(n-1))}×(0.5−t_(n))” exceeds the targetamount of power or the limit amount of power), a list of loads ispresented, as the energy saving action list 470, in a descending orderof the variation amount of the power acquired by the load power meter340 as illustrated in FIG. 10.

As described above, it is desirable that prediction of the accumulatedamount of power based on the variation amount of the power measured bythe grid power meter 310 is performed in the second half (i.e., thesecond period) of the prescribed period.

(Alert Presentation Method)

Hereinafter, an alert presentation method according to the firstembodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating thealert presentation method according to the first embodiment. Theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 11 is performed at an update interval (forexample, 1 minute) of a list. Here, it is desirable that the updateinterval of the list in a first half (i.e., a first period) of theprescribed period (for example, 5 minutes) is longer than the updateinterval of the list in a second half (i.e., a second period) of theprescribed period (for example, 1 minute). Alternatively, the updateinterval of the list may be shortened as the time approaches theexpiration of the prescribed period.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, in step S10, each load power meter 340measures power consumed in the load 120. The smart sensor 350 collectspower measured by the load power meter 340 provided under the control ofthe smart sensor 350. The EMS 200 acquires, from the smart sensor 350,information which indicates the power measured by each load power meter340.

In step S20, the EMS 200 updates information presented by thepresentation unit 240. In particular, the EMS 200 updates information(here, facility change list 460) presented by the presentation unit 240based on the power measured by each load power meter 340.

In step S30, the grid power meter 310 measures the power supplied fromthe distribution line 31 (i.e., the grid). The power measurement unit320 accumulates the power measured by the grid power meter 310 in theprescribed period (for example, 30 minutes). The power monitoring unit330 acquires the accumulated value (i.e., the accumulated amount ofpower) from the power measurement unit 320.

In step S40, the power monitoring unit 330 predicts the predictive valueof the accumulated amount of power at the time of expiration of theprescribed period based on the accumulated value (i.e., the accumulatedamount of power) acquired from the power measurement unit 320.

In particular, the power monitoring unit 330 predicts, in a first half(i.e., a first period) of the prescribed period, the accumulated amountof power based on an actual value of power measured by the grid powermeter 310. On the other hand, the power monitoring unit 330 predicts, ina second half (i.e., a second period) of the prescribed period, theaccumulated amount of power based on a variation amount of the powermeasured by the grid power meter 310.

In step S50, the power monitoring unit 330 determines whether thepredictive value of the accumulated amount of power has exceeded theprescribed power (i.e., the target amount of power or the limit amountof power). If the determination result is “YES,” a process in step S60is performed. If the determination result is “NO,” a process in step S70is performed.

In step S60, the EMS 200 updates the information presented by thepresentation unit 240. In particular, the EMS 200 updates theinformation presented by the presentation unit 240 (here, the energysaving action list 470) based on the predictive value of the accumulatedamount of power (that is, the power measured by the grid power meter310).

In particular, when the predictive value of the accumulated amount ofpower predicted based on the actual value of power acquired by the gridpower meter 310 exceeds the prescribed amount of power, the EMS 200presents, in the first form, a list of the loads in which powerconsumption should be reduced. For example, in the first half (i.e., thefirst period) of the prescribed period, the EMS 200 presents, as anenergy saving action list 470, the list of loads in a descending orderof the actual value of power acquired by the load power meter 340.

On the other hand, when the predictive value of the accumulated amountof power predicted based on the variation amount of the power acquiredby the grid power meter 310 exceeds the prescribed amount of power, theEMS 200 presents, in the second form, the list of loads in which powerconsumption should be reduced. For example, in the second half (i.e.,the second period) of the prescribed period, the EMS 200 presents, as anenergy saving action list 470, the list of loads in a descending orderof the variation amount of the power acquired by the load power meter340.

In step S70, the power measurement unit 320 determines whether theprescribed period has elapsed. If the determination result is “YES,” aprocess in step S80 is performed. If the determination result is “NO,” aseries of processes are completed.

In step S80, the power measurement unit 320 resets the accumulated valueof power (i.e., the accumulated amount of power) measured by the gridpower meter 310.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the predictive valueof the accumulated amount of power predicted based on the actual valueof power acquired by the grid power meter 310 or the predictive value ofthe accumulated amount of power predicted based on the variation amountof the power acquired by the grid power meter 310 reaches the prescribedamount of power, the alert presentation apparatus (i.e., the EMS 200)presents an alert which indicates a list of loads in which powerconsumption should be reduced. That is, the alert presentation apparatus(i.e., the power monitoring unit 330) uses the method for predicting theaccumulated amount of power at the time of expiration of the prescribedperiod properly. This reduces repetition of an alert ON state and analert OFF state.

For example, in the first half (i.e., the first period) of theprescribed period, the alert presentation apparatus (i.e., the powermonitoring unit 330) predicts the accumulated amount of power at thetime of expiration of the prescribed period based on the actual value ofpower acquired by the grid power meter 310. Therefore, repetition of thealert ON state and the alert OFF state due to instantaneous increase anddecrease in power consumption does not occur.

On the other hand, in the second half (i.e., the second period) of theprescribed period, the alert presentation apparatus (i.e., the powermonitoring unit 330) predicts the accumulated amount of power at thetime of expiration of prescribed period based on the variation amount ofthe power acquired by the grid power meter 310. Therefore, it ispossible to accurately determine whether the predictive value of theaccumulated amount of power at the time of expiration of the prescribedperiod exceeds the prescribed amount of power.

In the first embodiment, when the predictive value of the accumulatedamount of power predicted based on the actual value of power acquired bythe grid power meter 310 exceeds the prescribed amount of power, thealert presentation apparatus (i.e., the EMS 200) presents, as the energysaving action list 470, the list of loads in a descending order of theactual value of power acquired by the load power meter 340 (the firstform). Therefore, the load in which power consumption should be reducedcan be presented to the user properly.

On the other hand, when the predictive value of the accumulated amountof power predicted based on the variation amount of the power acquiredby the grid power meter 310 exceeds the prescribed amount of power, theEMS 200 presents, as the energy saving action list 470, the list ofloads in a descending order of the variation amount of the poweracquired by the load power meter 340 (the second form). Therefore, theload in which power consumption should be reduced can be presented tothe user properly.

In the first embodiment, the alert presentation apparatus (i.e., the EMS200) presents the list so that frequency of replacement of the loadsincluded in the list becomes low. Therefore, a user can effectively knowa load in which power consumption should be reduced while suppressingconfusion of the user.

For example, the alert presentation apparatus (i.e., the EMS 200)presents a list which includes a prescribed number of loads listed in adescending order of power consumption or presents a list which includesa prescribed number of loads listed in a descending order of anincrement in power consumption among the loads connected to the grid. Inthis manner, frequency of replacement of the loads included in the listbecomes low.

Alternatively, the control unit 230 may present a list in which aprescribed number of loads are highlighted in a descending order ofpower consumption among the loads connected to the grid, or may presenta list in which a prescribed number of loads are highlighted in adescending order of an increment in power consumption among the loadsconnected to the grid. In this manner, frequency of replacement of thehighlighted loads included in the list becomes low.

Alternatively, the update interval of the list in the first half (i.e.,the first period) of the prescribed period may be longer than the updateinterval of the list in the second half (i.e., the second period) of theprescribed period. Therefore, in a period with low urgency to reducepower consumption (i.e., the first period), confusion of a user can bereduced. On the other hand, in a period with high urgency to reducepower consumption (i.e., the second period), the user can effectivelyknow the load in which power consumption should be reduced.

Modification 1

Hereinafter, Modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described.Hereinafter, differences between the first embodiment and Modification 1will be mainly described.

In particular, in the first embodiment, the interval at which the powerconsumed by the load 120 is acquired and the update interval of the listare the same. In contrast, in Modification 1, the interval at which thepower consumed by load 120 is acquired differs from the update intervalof the list.

For example, the interval at which the power consumed by the load 120 isacquired may be 1 minute and the update interval of the list may be aprescribed time interval (for example, 5 minutes). The update intervalof the list may be variable similarly to the first embodiment.

(Alert Presentation Method)

Hereinafter, an alert presentation method according to Modification 1will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the alertpresentation method according to Modification 1. In FIG. 12, a step 15is added between step 10 and step 20 to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 11.

In step 15, the EMS 200 determines whether a prescribed time intervalhas elapsed. If the determination result is “YES,” a process in step 20is performed. If the determination result is “NO,” a process in step 10is performed.

In this manner, if the prescribed time interval (i.e., the updateinterval of the list) is longer than the interval at which the powerconsumed by the load 120 is acquired, confusion of the user due tofrequent updating of the list can be reduced.

Modification 2

Hereinafter, Modification 2 of the first embodiment will be described.Hereinafter, differences between the first embodiment and Modification 2will be mainly described.

In particular, in Modification 2, the EMS 200 suspends the presentationof the energy saving action list 470 until a predetermined period (forexample, 10 minutes) elapses since the start of the prescribed period(for example, 30 minutes). Therefore, in a state in which predictiveaccuracy in the accumulated amount of power at the time of expiration ofthe prescribed period is low, repetition of the alert ON state and thealert OFF state is reduced.

Modification 3

Hereinafter, Modification 3 of the first embodiment will be described.Hereinafter, differences between the first embodiment and Modification 3will be mainly described.

In particular, in Modification 3, the power measurement unit 320 maycontinuously manage the accumulated value of power measured by the gridpower meter 310 without resetting, in each prescribed period, theaccumulated value of power (i.e., the accumulated amount of power)measured by the grid power meter 310. That is, the power measurementunit 320 predicts the accumulated amount of power at the time ofexpiration of the current prescribed period based on power measured bythe grid power meter 310 in the period before the current prescribedperiod in addition to the current prescribed period. Therefore,immediately after the start of the current prescribed period, a decreasein predictive accuracy in the accumulated amount of power at the time ofexpiration of the current prescribed period is reduced.

However, it is needless to mention that the information presented by theEMS 200 (for example, the presentation information 400 and the powermonitoring graph) is reset in each prescribed period.

Other Embodiment

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theembodiment described above, it should not be understood that thediscussion and drawings constituting a part of the disclosure arelimiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments,examples and operation technology will be apparent to a person skilledin the art from the present disclosure.

In the embodiment, the alert presentation apparatus is configured by theEMS 200 and the power monitoring unit 330. However, the embodiment isnot limited to the same. The function of the power monitoring unit 330may be provided in the EMS 200. Alternatively, the alert presentationapparatus may be provided in the CEMS 20 or provided in the smart server40. Here, the EMS 200 may be a HEMS (Home Energy Management System), aBEMS (Building Energy Management System), an FEMS (Factory EnergyManagement System) or a SEMS (Store Energy Management System).

Although not especially mentioned in the embodiment, the load powermeter 340 may be a current sensor or the like.

In the embodiment, the consumer facility 10 is provided with the load120, the PV unit 130, the storage battery unit 140, the fuel cell unit150 and the hot water storage unit 160. However, it is only necessarythat the consumer facility 10 should be provided at least with the load120.

In the embodiment, the list of loads is configured so as to includepower consumption for each load. However, the embodiment is not limitedto the same. The list of loads may be configured so as to include powerconsumption for each group of loads connected to the power line providedunder the control of a breaker of the distribution board 110. In such acase, it is desirable that the smart sensor 350 transmits, to the EMS200, information which indicates the total value of power measured by aplurality of load power meters 340 together with an identifier of thesmart sensor 350.

Although not especially mentioned in the embodiment, the predictivevalue of the accumulated amount of power may be corrected based on thePV power generation prediction information. For example, when the amountof generated power of the PV 131 tends to increase, the predictive valueof the accumulated amount of power may be revised downward.Alternatively, the predictive value of the accumulated amount of powermay be corrected based on the power generation extra capacity of thefuel cell 151 (i.e., a value excluding the current amount of generatedpower from the maximum amount of generated power). For example, thepredictive value of the accumulated amount of power may be reviseddownward as the power generation extra capacity of the fuel cell 151 islarger. Alternatively, the predictive value of the accumulated amount ofpower may be corrected based on a remaining amount of stored power ofthe fuel cell 151. For example, the predictive value of the accumulatedamount of power may be revised downward as the remaining amount ofstored power of the fuel cell 151 is larger.

Although not especially mentioned in the embodiment, the presentationinformation 400 may include PV power generation prediction information.Alternatively, the presentation information 400 may include informationwhich indicates power generation extra capacity of the fuel cell 151.Alternatively, the presentation information 400 may include theremaining amount of stored power of the fuel cell 151.

Although not especially mentioned in the embodiment, it is desirablethat the EMS 200 controls the PV unit 130, the storage battery unit 140,the fuel cell unit 150 and the hot water storage unit 160 so that theaccumulated amount of power at the time of expiration of the prescribedperiod does not exceed the prescribed amount of power.

Although not especially mentioned in the embodiment, in Japan, forexample, the basic rate in the total power rate of a high-voltage poweruser is defined based, for example, on the amount of power in the pastdemand period (for example, 30 minutes). That is, the amount of power(i.e., usage amount of power) for 30 minutes is measured by the gridpower meter 310. Then average power usage in the 30 minutes (kW) iscalculated. The average power usage is referred to as a 30-minute demandvalue. Further the largest 30-minute demand value in one month isreferred to as the maximum demand power (i.e., the maximum demand value)of the month. Then, the largest value in the maximum demand value of themonth or the maximum demand value in the past one year is used forcalculation of the basic rate. That is, if once a large demand value iscaused in one month or one year, the basic rate using the demand valuewill be applied to the next month or to the next year. The basic rate isdefined in this manner.

As described above, as for the present invention, it is needless tomention that various embodiments that are not described here areincluded. Moreover, it is also possible to combine the above-describedembodiments and modifications. Accordingly, the technical range of thepresent invention is to be defined only by the inventive specific matteraccording to the adequate claims from the above description.

It is noted that the entire content of Japan Patent Application No.2012-112906 (filed on May 16, 2012) is incorporated in the presentapplication by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide alertpresentation apparatus and alert presentation method capable of lettinga user effectively know a load in which power consumption should bereduced while suppressing confusion of the user.

1. An alert presentation apparatus which presents a list of loadsincluding power consumption of the loads connected to a grid in order toreduce an accumulated amount of power supplied from the grid in aprescribed period equal to or smaller than a prescribed amount of power,comprising: a first power acquisition unit which acquires power consumedby the loads; and a presentation unit which presents the list based onan amount of power acquired by the first power acquisition unit, whereinthe presentation unit presents the list so that frequency of replacementof the loads included in the list becomes low.
 2. The alert presentationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presentation unit presentsthe list including a prescribed number of loads listed in a descendingorder of power consumption among the loads, or presents the list whichincluding a prescribed number of loads listed in a descending order ofan increment in power consumption among the loads.
 3. The alertpresentation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presentationunit presents the list in which a prescribed number of loads arehighlighted in a descending order among the loads, or presents the listin which a prescribed number of loads are highlighted in a descendingorder of an increment in power consumption among the loads.
 4. The alertpresentation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prescribedperiod includes a first period and a second period after the firstperiod; and an update interval of the list in the first period is longerthan an update interval of the list in the second period.
 5. The alertpresentation apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a second poweracquisition unit which acquires power supplied from the grid; and aprediction unit which predicts the accumulated amount of power based onthe power acquired by the second power acquisition unit; wherein thepresentation unit presents the list as an alert when a predictive valueof the accumulated amount of power predicted by the prediction unitreaches a prescribed threshold value.
 6. The alert presentationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presentation unit presentsthe list constantly.
 7. The alert presentation apparatus according toclaim 6, wherein, the presentation unit presents the list by use of anapplication which acquires power consumption of the load or a browser ata presentation of the list.
 8. An alert presentation method forpresenting a list of loads including power consumption of the loadsconnected to a grid in order to reduce an accumulated amount of powersupplied from the grid in a prescribed period equal to or smaller than aprescribed amount of power, comprising: a step A of acquiring powerconsumed by the load; and a step B of presenting the list based on theamount of power acquired in the step A, wherein the step B includes astep of presenting the list so that frequency of replacement of theloads included in the list becomes low.